Two seniors present seminar research at national Undergraduate Research Conference

Two Muskingum University seniors recently presented their research seminar papers at the 22nd annual meeting of the Undergraduate Research Conference at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Butler Undergraduate Research Conference began in 1988. Its purpose is to encourage students from all disciplines to become involved in research and creative endeavors. Students may participate only with the sponsorship of a faculty member.

Kristen Sears ’10 presented “Argentina and the Last Dictatorship,” which analyzed that nation’s political turmoil from the standpoint of both the armed forces and the organizations of leftist activists. Sears is a Spanish and international affairs major who will graduate from Muskingum on May 8.

Laura Soper ’10 examined two short stories by Julio Cortázar in her researched titled, “Julio Cortázar’s political compromise in Press Clippings and Nightmares.” She focused her study on Cortázar’s condemnation of the Junta Militar's actions held during Argentina’s last dictatorship. Soper is a Spanish and speech communication major, with a minor in business, who will also graduate from Muskingum on May 8.

Both students’ studied at the Universidad Blas Pascal in Cordoba Argentina. Their senior research was advised by Assistant Professor of Spanish Dr. Sandra Alzate, who suggested that they submit their work for presentation at the conference.